Best Running Routes in Hobart, Tasmania
Let's get straight to it. Below are routes I will often run as a Hobart local whenever I need to train or go for a scenic run. These are a mix of terrains, elevations and distances. Below each route is a map showing where it is located. The map also includes the option to show the elevation. Handy. Bookmark this website for later. You can also bring your location up on this map to see where you are in context to the route.
Lastly, while every route is worth running, some are better experienced during the day due to safety. I’ll mention which trails to avoid at night time at the bottom of the blog!
If you do try something, I'd love to know what you think of it. If you share it to socials, tag us (@TasmaniaUnearthed) and we'll repost as many as possible!
Table of Contents
- Intercity Cycleway
- Hobart Rivulet
- Max's Infinity Loop & Soldier's Walk (Queen's Domain)
- Eastern Shore (Tranmere through to Geilston Bay)
- Hobart Waterfront, Battery Point and Sandy Bay
- Risdon Brook Dam
- Alum Cliffs
- Pipeline Track
- Cremorne To Seven Mile
- Most Popular Routes for Road Running in Hobart
- Run Clubs in Hobart
- Safety: What Trails To Avoid Night
- Summary
- FAQs
Distance: 13.5km one way
This is your go-to for a simple run where you just want to run. It's scenic for a short period from the Cenotaph to Moonah before becoming surrounded by a more industrial setting that is less attractive. If you want to maximise the scenery, you'll be looking at a 10km return trip from the Hobart Cenotaph. 5km out and 5km back. You can tack on a little extra by detouring through Cornelian Bay and following the gravel track to the end of the point.
Safety warning: Avoid after dark if possible.
Distance: 2.65km one way
For those in the city, this is a beautiful run that can be extended throughout the trails leading up to Mount Wellington. The track's main section, however, starts on Molle Street and finishes at Cascade Brewery in South Hobart, which is approximately 2.7km in length. You'll be running an incline towards South Hobart for a rewarding gentle run back towards the city on the return. If you're into coffee, you might want to cross a footbridge and head to Bear With Me for a short detour on your way back, or even stop into Cascade Brewery at the halfway point (if you make it all the way there).
Safety warning: Avoid after dark if possible.
Queen's Domain (or just The Domain to locals) is full of trails that local runners choose to use as their training and social runs. You've got a few options here.
Max's Infinity Loop
Distance: 2.5km circuit
The Infinity Loop is a 2km loop at the top of The Domain, circling around the Upper Summit Carpark. It's best to park here to enter the loop and circle around as many times as you'd like.
If you only want to do it once, you can extend your run by adding on Soldier's Walk, accessible by a connecting gravel track around the ovals that you parked next to.
Safety warning: Avoid after dark if possible.
Soldier's Walk
Distance: 1.44km one way
Though this is called Soldier's Walk, plenty of people choose to run here. I often start at Muer's by Hobart Waterfront and run up through Soldier's Walk to the Infinity Loop and then return. It's a great 8km circuit. Soldier's Walk itself has a fair amount of elevation, starting at Don Kennedy's Aquatic Centre carpark and finishing near the entrance of Max's Infinity Loop.
Safety warning: Avoid after dark if possible.
Distance: 22.5km length of trail
There are a lot of trails to choose from here. The whole runnable section extends approximately 23 km in length but can be broken down into multiple sections. I'll share a few of my favourites below and let you discover the rest from the map!
Tranmere Coastal Track
Distance: 4.5km one way
Out of the entire Easter Shore track, I'd have to say this is my favourite section. You switch from pavement to dirt trails for around 2 kilometres, with unobstructed river, city and mountain views that look spectacular with the setting sun. During spring, you'll find countless varieties of flowers in bloom to keep motivation high.
Although this is a short drive away from the city, I'd recommend coming out to experience it if you have the time.
Lindisfarne to Geilston Bay Coastal Track
Distance: 3.82km one way
Like the Tranmere Coastal Track, you're also on dirt trails, with small sections of pavement and intricate rock designs (not at all technical as it has been handcrafted). If you're on a long run, this section provides a great alternative to the pavement and road running that you've likely become used to before this section. At the end, you can continue running through the Shag Bay area, and then go full trail running until you reach Risdon. I've done this section once before, completing a full loop from the aquatic centre, across the Tasman Bridge, through to the Bowen Bridge and returning. If you've read this and it sounds like your kind of thing, I hope you enjoy the loop. You can check out where I ran on my Strava here.
Bellerive Quay to Howrah
Distance: 3km one way
The last of my favourites is Bellerive to Howrah. You can either start at Bellerive Beach here, and run through to Howrah, or add on an extra few kilometres by starting from Bellerive Quay or Kangaroo Bay. Both are suitable options and provide more mountain city views. There is only a little elevation between Bellerive Beach and Howrah at the bluff which is approximately halfway.
Distance: 7.3km one way
You're likely to find this the most convenient route to run if you're based in Hobart CBD. Mures is a good starting point, offering multiple directions to start running. You can either head towards the Intercity Cycleway, running out and around Maq01, or towards Battery Point and Sandy Bay. You'll be passing by Salamanca Market and Elizabeth Street Pier before passing through Battery Point. On the return, there are plenty of cafes here for a post-run snack.
This route continues through to Sandy Bay along the main road. You'll be encountering traffic lights and road crossings until you're at the University of Tasmania Campus where the path becomes less interrupted. An alternative option is to go down Napoleon Street onto the Marieville Esplanade, past the Sandy Bay Yacht Club. You cut off a lot of distance and come out near the UTAS campus, skipping the busyness of Sandy Bay.
Before long, you'll reach Long Beach, where you can run out to the Searchlight, continue through to Taroona, or return to the waterfront.
A few different options to consider.
Distance: 4.3km circuit
You'll likely want to pair this run with a picnic or trip out from Hobart. Risdon Brook Dam is a 20 minute drive from Hobart CBD and therefore not a run you'll just be able to go out for if your accommodation is within Hobart City.
This is all dirt trail, but I'd still wear road runners and not worry about trail runners for this one.
If you're up for it, you can also climb Mount Direction from here. Perhaps treat this as more of a half-day trip than just a run.
Safety warning: Avoid after dark if possible.
Distance: 3.88km one way
Warning: this is a trail run with more elevation than most are comfortable with. Check the map for reference.
You'll want to start at Kingston Beach (a great place to finish for a snack or beverage) and run towards the northern end of the beach, cross the river, and enter the trail on the other side of the carpark. The left goes to Alum Cliffs, while the right takes you to the dog beach. Follow this for as long as you desire. There's plenty of trail and view points to keep you satisfied.
Distance: 11.74km length of trail
A beautiful 12km length of trail that takes you through the base of Wellington Park and extends to Wellington Falls for those that want a Sunday long day run. Elevation isn't too noticeable on this as you're running long distances without a steep gradient. My favourite section is from Fern Tree Pub onwards where you soon find a break in the trees overlooking southern Tasmania. It's absolutely stunning and also open to those who prefer to walk.
Distance: 3.1km one way
I've only ever walked this one during a work photography session. Ever since, I've wanted to return and run it given how beautiful the track and views are. At each end is a beach, so whether you start at Seven Mile Beach or Roaches Beach, you can finish your run with a swim during the warmer months.
I get it. Not everyone likes trail running, even if only for a little bit. If you're after a pure road run experience, you'll be looking at the following routes I've described above:
Intercity Cycleway
Hobart Waterfront
Max's Infinity Loop
The rest will be great to explore but offer portions of the track that have dirt or gravel, and during wetter months, you'll possibly come back with muddy shoes. I'm okay with this, but you may not be and that's okay.
You have a few to choose from. First, shameless plug, there’s mine - Another Run Club.
Another Run Club (ARC)
We’re small, but we love to chat and connect. We start every Saturday at 8am and follow with coffee. We often run the Hobart Waterfront or Intercity Cycle routes and have changed this up from time to time.
This is an out and back run, 15min out, 15min back. All skill levels are welcome! If you’d like, come and walk for the full 30 minutes as well.
Check us out on Instagram to stay up to date, or join us on Whatsapp (link in our IG bio).
Hobart Run Club
Wednesday’s and Sunday’s are their usuals. A great group of people. I have enjoyed every run I’ve spent with them. Much like us, they’ll make you feel welcome.
Knockoffs Run Club
Probably the largest run club in Hobart, but with that, you lose connection. If you’re just wanting to run with a large group of people, this is your spot. Free giveaways every Thursday evening run, starting at 6pm from Room for a Pony.
The main reason I’ve recommended to avoid these trails at night are either due to the location or the lighting. Some trails are fun to run at night, while others will leave you alone in areas that locals might avoid after dark. Please avoid the following after dark where possible:
Intercity Cycleway
Hobart Rivulet
Max’s Infinity Loop
Soldier’s Walk
Risdon Brook Dam
Hobart is full of trails to explore. I've only mentioned a few, and there are countless others out there, but as a traveller of Tasmania, you're likely short on time and want some convenient routes in and around the city.
If you're up for a more adventurous run, I'd be more than happy to share some of my personal favourites. I will be writing a blog on this in the future, but until then, you can send me a message on Instagram, or check my Strava for routes I'm running on the regular.
For those who have their own routes, please drop a comment. I'd love to hear about them!
What is the best running route in all of Hobart?
You really can’t pick one single route as the best. However, my personal favourite is a combination of the Eastern Shore, Tasman Bridge, and the Intercity Cycleway. Once you know the routes listed above, you can mix and match them as much as you’d like.
Which run club should I join in Hobart?
Another Run Club is full of great people, an out and back run based on time and not distance, catering for most people. Plus, their routes don’t have much elevation, making it more accessible for beginner runners. Definitely worth checking out!
I want to do trail runs more than road runs. Where should I go?
In Hobart, kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a trail runner’s best friend. There are countless trails up there. Park at The Springs, choose a trail from the map, and get running. Two good ones to start with are The Springs up Zig Zag track, and also The Springs through to Junction Cabin.
Discover more for your Tasmanian adventure below!
Get to know the very best running location in Hobart, Tasmania. This is your go-to blog for all your running route needs.